(Muinetourism.vn) -In the coastal city of Phan Thiet, fish salads are outstanding among dishes of salads from seafood because of the delicious and special flavor. The sweet taste of fish flesh, the pungency of herbs, the nutty taste of sesames in the rice paper and the distinct palatability of the dipping sauce get together to create a delectable, nutritious and sea-flavored dish.

 

(Photo: Nguyen Vu)

 

No-one knows exactly when fish salads were first made, but local residents in Phan Thiet, seeing their grandparents and parents sometimes prepare these dishes, imitate the recipe of their forerunners to make delicious dishes of fish salad on their own. Locals in Phan Thiet do not eat fish salads so often, not because they are too expensive nor because these dishes take too much time to prepare. The reason is quite simple: fish salads can only be perfect if they are eaten in a cheery and cozy place, when everyone gathers together. The truth is there’s hardly anyone in Phan Thiet will eat fish salads alone. You can figure it out by yourself. At crowded seafood restaurants in Phan Thiet, fish salads are ordered mostly by groups of friends and families.. 

 

(Photo: Nguyen Vu)

 

although making the fish salad is rather simple for the first look, actually it contains the secret of recipe of the makers especially the fishermen of Phan Thiet city. All the ingredients are available, fishes was caught from the local sea, they are the kinds of fish like Duc, Suot, Mai and so on. And the herbs are always in the local gardens like flower of banana, basil, chili, lemon, star apple… a roll of rice paper of herbs and the fresh meat of fish which is dipped into the chili sauce. It will lure eaters and make them want to try the some more other ones.

 

(Photo: Nguyen Vu)

 

Nowadays, when you travel to Phan Thiet, from the small to the big restaurants, you will easily order the fish  salad which was made by the local chefs here. Let’s try one time to feel fully the taste of the dish. All evaluation will be on you. I think you will be pleased if you taste it.

Nguyen Vu

Translated by Van Thao